IU to announce initiative to help state address environmental threats to Hoosier health, economy

New initiative will be the second funded through IU's $300 million Grand Challenges Program

Studies show that the effects of climate change in Indiana have already caused shorter winters, heavier spring flooding and hotter, drier summers. To address the impacts of extreme weather, the state of Indiana has spent more than $6 billion since 2011 alone. And the pace of change is only expected to increase.

To respond to these and other environmental changes, Indiana University will join forces with leaders from Indiana’s economic, health, business, public policy, agriculture and nonprofit sectors to launch a major initiative designed to better predict the impact of these threats and equip government, business and community groups to respond. The effort is a part of IU's $300 million Grand Challenges Program.

WHO: Attendees will include IU President Michael A. McRobbie, IU Vice President for Research Fred H. Cate and representatives from Cummins Inc. and Citizens Energy Group.

NOTE: McRobbie, Cate, a representative from Cummins Inc. and the leader of the newly funded initiative will be available for interviews immediately following the ceremony.

Parking is available in the White River State Park underground parking garage on Washington St. and the White River State Park South Lot.

For media unable to be in Indianapolis for the announcement, the event will be streamed online at broadcast.iu.edu and via Facebook Live at the IU Facebook page.

About Grand Challenges

Last year, IU announced the $300 million Grand Challenges Program and its first initiative -- the Precision Health Initiative -- with the goal of investing in research that will substantially and tangibly address some of the most critical issues facing Indiana and the world.